Israel's Former PM says Turkey's PM fair mediator in Syria talks

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert criticized Benjamin Netanyahu over his refusal to Turkey in Syrian talks, saying "Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan si a fair mediator."

Olmert made the statements during a conference at the Tel Aviv University, according to Israeli media.

Syria suspended the indirect talks with Israel after the 22-day Gaza offensive that left nearly 1500 Palestinians dead, a third of them Gazan children.

He said, "It's too easy being angry at Erdogan, but it would be wise to reconcile with him. He is a fair mediator. We need negotiations with Turkish mediation."

"We can reach an understanding with the Syrians which would change the map in the Middle East. A decision on this issue must be made," Olmert added.

Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman refuse Turkey as mediator in any future diplomatic negotiations with Syria.

During Olmert's tenure, Turkey mediated five rounds of talks between Israeli and Syrian officials. Toward the end of Olmert's term the two sides were on the verge of resuming direct negotiations.

/World Bulletin/